Sustainable Tourism

‘Sustainable tourism is tourism that takes account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing, and seeking to balance, the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities. Making tourism more sustainable means taking these needs and impacts more fully into account in the planning, development and operation of tourism. It is a continual process.’
A Strategy for Sustainable Tourism in the Forest of Bowland AONB, January 2005.

Sustainable tourism, is, therefore, about promoting and attracting visitors to an area, and encouraging them to experience and enjoy the place, whilst not spoiling it for other visitors or local people. Sustainable tourism is at an appropriate scale, encouraging quiet enjoyment, and re investing in the economy and communities which support the landscape.

What is happening with sustainable tourism locally?

In 2005 the Forest of Bowland AONB became the first protected area in England to be awarded the European Charter for Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas, joining just 30 other protected areas across Europe. The Charter is awarded to protected areas that are delivering tourism that is both nature and landscape friendly and which contributes to the economic development of the region. The Charter approach ensures that organisations, local people and businesses are working together to protect the area, whilst at the same time increasing opportunities for visitors to discover and enjoy its special qualities.
Visit the Europarc website for further information (www.europarc.org).

Since 2005 the Forest of Bowland AONB Unit has developed a programme of activity, led by a small team based in Clitheroe, which works closely with tourism organisations, businesses and communities. Work has included supporting businesses to develop ssustainable activities; working with communities to celebrate their special and distinctive qualities; developing new walking, cycling and horse riding opportunities; developing materials to promote local businesses and communities; and training for tourism staff and businesses.

During this year several of these businesses have made a strong commitment to sustainable tourism which has led to many achieving a Green Tourism Award and recognition in Europe as a Sustainable Tourism Business. Visit the European Charter Business section of the website for further details or to view case studies of a number of the Green Tourism Business Scheme winners, visit our Green Tourism page.